Christy Lee Rogers -The Muses
Emerging from the darkest depths and exploding in a burst of light, Christy Lee Rogers’ photographs in The Muses are sure to inspire. Figures and fabric combust in radiant scenes evoking memories of passion, tragedy, and playful exuberance. Since antiquity, muses have been called upon by artists to aid in the writing of poetry and heart-wrenching dramas, to guide the feet of dancers, to inspire laughter, or to provoke deep contemplation of history and the stars. Throughout the exhibit, visitors will be encouraged to imagine, engage, and create based on inspiration gained from The Muses.
Behind the Scenes with Christy Lee Rogers
Click on the video on the right to learn more about her process and how she draws inspiration from the water and world around her.
You can also click on the box below to see Christy Lee Rogers’ website and explore more of her work.
The Muses Educational Series
In connection with this exhibit, The Muses Educational Series will encourage visitors to imagine, engage, and create based on inspiration gained from The Muses through a series of hands-on workshops and events connected with each of the nine Greek Muses. Sessions will be held at the Parthenon, off-site, or virtually — all through partnerships with Nashville creatives and beloved local institutions. Inspired by the Greek Muses and their unique areas of influence, the workshops will include modern dance instruction, comedy improv, writing seminars, and more to enhance the exhibition’s impact on our local community.
Thalia - Muse of Comedy
In the Footsteps of Thalia: An Improv Comedy Adventure with Unscripted
Inspired by the muse of comedy, the Parthenon is partnering with Anne Veal and Emma Supica, from Unscripted to do an improv performance and lead a following workshop.
Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 2:00 - 3:30 PM at the Parthenon (Level 2, Naos).
For this discussion on Euterpe, patron of music and tragedy, neurologic music therapist and educator Dr. Nicole Richard Williams will share fascinating facts and stories about how music impacts our emotions and can accompany us in tragedy. There will also be a workshop component allowing attendees to explore their own connections with music. No prior musical experience or skill needed!
Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM. Details on location will be announced soon.
Calliope - Muse of Eloquence and Epic Poetry
The Making of a Myth: Creating Podcasts the Greeking Out Way
Join Emily Everhart, Senior Producer of Nat Geo Kids Greeking Out for a How-to on creating your own podcast. From scripting to recording to post-production, get started making your own voice heard! This event is geared towards teens 12-18 years old and is co-hosted by Studio NPL at the Nashville Public Library- Main Branch.
Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 2:00 - 3:30 PM at Studio NPL- Main Library branch.
Melpomene - Muse of Tragedy
Details to come. Check back soon for more information about the Melpomene event.
Urania - Muse of Astronomy
To close out The Muses Educational Series, the Parthenon is partnering with Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory for a talk about the myths in the stars with Vanderbilt Astronomer Dr. Erika Grundstrom.
Thursday, April 24, 2025 8 PM - 9:30 PM at Dyer Observatory.
Past events:
Clio- Muse of History
Writing Our Story: Clio’s Gift to Modern Communities
Dr. Stephen Kershner from Austin Peay State University gave a free talk at the Parthenon.
Clio, the Muse of History-writing and Storytelling, draws her name from ancient Greek words for 'glory' and 'celebrating' - signaling that she transcends mere record-keeping. Through her inspiration, communities weave their memories into meaningful narratives that reflect shared values and experiences. We see her influence today in places like the Nashville Parthenon, where our stories of visits past and present continue to strengthen community bonds.
Watch a recording of this talk on the Nashville Parthenon YouTube page.
Terpsichore- Muse of Dancing
Dancing the Muses with Duncan Dance South
Partnering with the Centennial Performing Arts Studio and Artistic Director of Duncan Dance South, Meg Brooker, dances inspired by the art of Christy Lee Rogers were performed in the East Gallery and in the Naos. The dance performances were followed by a free workshop.
Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM at the Parthenon (Levels 1 & 2).
Polyhymnia - Muse of Pantomime
The Transformative Power of Masks
Fragments of three tragedies, Sophocles' ANTIGONE and ŒDIPUS and Euripides' MEDEA, were performed by actors masked as the original ancient Greek actors were. A workshop on the transformative power of masks followed.
Sunday, February 16, 2025 from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM at the Parthenon (Level 2, Naos).
Erato- Muse of Love Poetry
You Had Me at Hello - A Romance Writer’s Workshop
We were proud to partner with Parnassus Books for a romance writers workshop with Lauren Kung Jessen.
You Had Me at Hello: Crafting the Perfect Meet Cute was a 75-minute workshop taught by romance author Lauren Kung Jessen (Lunar Love, Red String Theory, and Yin Yang Love Song).
Friday, February 21, 2025 at 6:30- 7:45 PM at Parnassus Books.